Hosea 4

Hosea 4:1b There is no fidelity, no mercy, no knowledge of God in the land.

Fidelity in the dictionary is defined as "faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support."

Mercy in the dictionary is defined as " compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone who it is within one's power to punish or harm."

Knowledge of God can be explained in Proverbs 9:10, The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the lord, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Hosea 4:2b in their lawlessness...
The King James Version has this part of the verses as, "They break all restraint."  People have chosen to forget the knowledge of God. They have turned away from fidelity and truth, they show no mercy. People no longer abide by self-restraint, they no longer feel the need for control, and choose to live without God's laws.

There are so many slogans that companies, business and people use that actually call people to live by their own rules, against the ideas of restraint. Slogans that say,
"Your world should know no boundaries," by investment company Merrill Lynch preaches no accountability.
"No rules, just right," by Outback for their food ads supported not needing to follow rules.
"Just do it," by Nike suggests to act on impulse, and not analyze the situation.
"Peel of inhibitions, find your own road, " is a slogan by Saab, the auto company.

The ads use the message of you make your own rules, you answer to no one, you are the only one who matters. So people think they can just do what they want without repercussion. Solomon preached in Ecclesiastes 11:9, "Rejoice, O young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; Yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgement." Solomon understand the young's desire to test the limits, but reminded that we will face God in the end.

When we abandon the knowledge of God, truth, mercy and restraint, we are allowing Satan to call us to his side. To make us think that throwing these things aside is freedom. But it is a straightway to slavery under his control. It is a path to destruction.

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen